Why Flea loves the work of Neil Young: “He doesn’t give a fuck”
Whether you’re a fan of Red Hot Chili Peppers or not, there is no escaping the fact that Flea is one of the most innovative and exciting bass players out there. On top of putting on a fun live show, he has a playing style that is quick and sporadic and incorporates various genres.
Like how his band wears several influences on their sleeve, from classic rock to hip-hop, Flea also has a back catalogue of musicians who inspire him to make the kind of music he does. The bassist has never been shy in discussing these influences either, as in interviews, he sings the praises of everyone who encouraged him to pick up a bass and keep playing it.
A video of him recently circulated showing him getting emotional when talking about the work of hip-hop producer J Dilla. “I think he’s an absolutely transcendent phenomenal musician,” Flea said. “I listened to this record, this Ruff Draft record, I was by myself, and I just had these big headphones on, and I was walking around on these trails, in the mountains, just listening to it, and it just touched this thing in me so deeply, and I just couldn’t stop crying.”
Whilst there’s a clear connection between the bassist and the hip hop producer, given their affinity to fiddle with rhythm and a desire to try different ways to create music, Flea also draws inspiration from other, slightly more unlikely musicians. This could be because of the music they make, their general ethos or, in the case of Neil Young, their attitude towards songwriting.
In an interview that discussed the 50 greatest artists of all time, Flea wrote a section dedicated to Neil Young where he commended his ability as a songwriter, not only in what he produces but how he produces it.
“There’s a rare contradiction in Neil Young’s work,” he said, “He works so hard as a songwriter, and he’s written a phenomenal number of perfect songs. And, at the same time, he doesn’t give a fuck. That comes from caring about essence. There can be things out of tune and all wild-sounding and not recorded meticulously”.
Adding: “And he doesn’t care. He’s made whole albums that aren’t great, and instead of going back to a formula that he knows works, he would rather represent where he is at the time. That’s what’s so awesome: watching his career wax and wane according to the truth of his character at the moment. It’s never phony. It’s always real. The truth is not always perfect.”
Flea’s attitude towards his influences will undoubtedly contribute to his ability to continue making music and find passion in his work. Having influences doesn’t just mean enjoying some music; it means enjoying their mentality and the way they approach work.
